Role

:

Ensemble

Period

:

Modern

Genre

:

Orchestral

 

The Portland Youth Philharmonic (PYP) is a classical music ensemble based in Portland, Oregon. Founded in 1924, it is the oldest youth orchestra in the United States and has a rich history of providing young musicians with opportunities to develop their skills and perform at a high level. The PYP was founded by Mary V. Dodge, a music teacher who recognized the need for a youth orchestra in Portland. She gathered a group of young musicians and began rehearsing with them in her home. The group quickly grew in size and popularity, and in 1925, it officially became the Portland Junior Symphony Orchestra. Over the years, the PYP has had many talented musicians pass through its ranks. Some of its most notable alumni include David Shifrin, a clarinetist who has won multiple Grammy Awards, and James DePreist, a conductor who was the first African American to lead a major symphony orchestra. The PYP has also had many notable conductors throughout its history. One of its most influential was Jacob Avshalomov, who served as the orchestra's music director from 1954 to 1995. Avshalomov was a composer and conductor who had a profound impact on the PYP and helped to shape its sound and style. Over the years, the PYP has performed at many prestigious venues and events. In 1962, the orchestra was invited to perform at the Seattle World's Fair, where it played for thousands of people. In 1984, the PYP was invited to perform at the Olympic Arts Festival in Los Angeles, where it played alongside other youth orchestras from around the world. In addition to its performances, the PYP has also won many awards and accolades over the years. In 1994, the orchestra was awarded the National Endowment for the Arts' highest honor, the National Medal of Arts, in recognition of its contributions to American culture. The PYP has also won numerous awards at music festivals and competitions, including the National Orchestra Festival and the International Youth and Music Festival in Vienna. Today, the PYP continues to be a vibrant and active part of the Portland music scene. The orchestra is made up of over 100 young musicians, ranging in age from 7 to 23, who come from all over the Portland area. The PYP offers a range of programs and opportunities for young musicians, including a full orchestra, a wind ensemble, and a string orchestra. The PYP's current music director is David Hattner, who has been with the orchestra since 2004. Hattner is a conductor and violinist who has worked with many orchestras and ensembles throughout his career. Under his leadership, the PYP has continued to grow and thrive, and has become known for its high level of musicianship and its commitment to excellence. In recent years, the PYP has continued to perform at a variety of venues and events. In 2017, the orchestra performed at the Oregon Symphony's Waterfront Concert, playing alongside the Oregon Symphony and other local ensembles. The PYP has also performed at the Portland Rose Festival, the Oregon Bach Festival, and the Oregon Music Educators Association Conference. In addition to its performances, the PYP is also committed to music education and outreach. The orchestra offers a range of educational programs for young musicians, including master classes, workshops, and summer camps. The PYP also works with local schools and community organizations to bring music education to underserved communities.

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